Super Eagles player ratings : Uzoho brilliant; Aribo sparkles; Ola Aina marshal defence

By: Blackcoin

The Super Eagles are in a strong position heading into the second leg of their 2022 World Cup playoff after a goalless draw with Ghana at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Friday night.

In a absorbing contest with not too many clear-cut chances, Joe Aribo and Victor Osimhen came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half, while Moses Simon had his shot saved by the Ghanaian goalkeeper in Nigeria's best chance of the second half.

BSNSports.com.ng rates the players' individual performances during the game :

Francis Uzoho, 8/10: Uzoho was brilliant on his return to the goalposts for Nigeria. The Omonia man filled in brilliantly for first-choice shot-stopper Maduka Okoye who is currently out with Covid-19. Uzoho organised his defenders properly and was always on hand to make brilliant interventions when he was needed.

William Troost-Ekong, 7/10: A real rock in the Super Eagles’ defence. Made a number of vital blocks and didn’t show any sign of rustiness despite limited playing time at his club.

Ola Aina, 8/10: Had to be helped out defensively by teammates but he was a good outlet going forward. Overall his game has matured.

Zaidu Sanusi, 6/10: Did his defensive job dutifully even though he didn’t make too much forays upfront.

Leon Balogun 6.5/10: the Rangers man played smart football on the night. Although slower than the Ghanaian attackers, Balogun’s tried to make up for it with some decent tackles. He was untidy in some instances, but Troost-Ekong covered for him.

Innocent Bonke, 5/10:  The Lorient defensive midfielder was not a quality replacement for Wilfred Ndidi. Shied away from the ball and gave away free-kicks. Subbed off due to injury.

Joe Aribo, 4.5/10: Joe Aribo struggled to cope with the physicality of the Ghanaians. A below par showing from the highly rated midfielder.

Kelechi Iheanacho, 5.5/10: the Leicester City man was tasked with creating opportunities for the Super Eagles, but he failed. He only created one clear cut opportunity and could not exert himself in the game. It was an underwhelming night for Iheanacho.

Moses Simon, 4.5/10: The winger wasted the Super Eagles’ best chance of the game 10 minutes after the break.

He was not at his best.

Samuel Chukwueze, 5.8/10:Substituted in the second half. The Villarreal forward was a threat from the wings but his crosses need to get better.

Victor Osimhen, 6/10: Was full of running from the start to end of the game but was starved of service with the wingers largely ineffective. Managed to have a shot on target in the 37th minute but the attempt was not powerful enough to beat the goalkeeper.

SUBSTITUTES

Emmanuel Dennis, 5/10:  Came in for Samuel Chukwueze in the 59th minute. He put the Ghanaian defence under pressure and coped well with the crowd.

Frank Onyeka, 5/10:  Helped stabilize the midfield following his introduction. He is definitely a good option in midfield.

Oghenekaro Etebo, 5/10: His experience and high work rate helped put pressure off the Super Eagles’ defence. He certainly put himself in contention to start the second leg.

Calvin Bassey, 5/10: The left-back didn’t do badly on his debut appearance for the Super Eagles.

Ademola Lookman, 5/10: Leicester City winger, Ademola Lookman had his debut for Nigeria. Made a few forays from the flank after replacing Moses Simon in the 74th minute.